Monday, July 25, 2016

The late ‘70s and early ‘80s introduced two new must-have
appliances into American households.These were the VCR and the microwave oven.

They, especially the VCR, changed the way Americans consumed
both their entertainment and their meals … so it was just a matter of time
before entertainment and “consumption” would collide.

This happened in the summer of 1983 with the film release of
director Wayne Berwick’s horror comedy, Microwave Massacre, which was more a
vehicle for “deadpan” comedian Jackie Vernon, than a statement on evolving
eating habits.

Arrow Video, with domestic sales and distribution expertise
provided by MVD Entertainment Group, has tabbed Aug. 16 for the release of a
newly prepared 2K restoration … Microwave Massacre will be available
as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

Vernon plays Donald, a hen-pecked construction worker, who
is being driven mad by his wife’s (played by Claire Ginsberg) obsession with
preparing “gourmet” meals in their new microwave oven (which, back then, were
as big as small cars!).He snaps one
night — in a drunken rage — and beats her to death … the next morning he
discovers what he’s done, but somehow takes it all in stride and hacks her up
into edible chunks (much aluminum foil is needed), which are stored in the
freezer.

Since the microwave is a handy gizmo, Donald takes to
zapping her, piece by piece, and feasting on her remains.

That set up is all Vernon and filmmaker Wayne Berwick need to
launch into a series of running gags — one featuring Ginsberg’s head, another
involving his construction co-workers (played by Loren Schein and Al Troupe)
and the third is Donald’s choice in meals once his wife has been completely
consumed.

Microwave Massacre is absolutely hilarious — sickly so — as
Jackie Vernon feasts on the use of this marvelous new home cooking appliance!

Bonus features include a new commentary option featuring
writer-producer Craig Muckler, who is joined by f/x and makeup expert Mike
Tristano and a newly-minted “making of” video session teaming Craig Muckler, director
Wayne Berwick and actor Loren Schein.